We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. A lightweight Cosrx mild gel cleanser if you want to be able to wash your face without having it feel bone dry afterwards. Its relatively low pH helps balance and protect your skin from acne-causing irritants without stripping it. It's also enriched with tea-tree oil and BHA to help keep your skin nice and smooth.
All Cosrx products are dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and have no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.
Promising review: "After hours of exhaustive research on Korean gentle cleansers, I finally decided upon a cleanser. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made for my face! I have sensitive, combination, and very volatile skin, so if I ever make it unhappy, it definitely lets me know. This cleanser is light enough that it doesn't feel thick or cloying, it has a very subtle smell (which I love), and the ph of the cleanser is so low that the only thing I am worried about for my face anymore is the ph of the water I am splashing on my face. It hasn't caused any bad breakouts or negative reactions like drying or tightness of skin but it can certainly handle itself in the department of a full face cleanser. This has caused me to look forward to trying more Cosrx products!" —Haley Hart
Get it from Amazon for $12.
2. Or The Face Shops's facial foaming cleanser with rice water that contains vitamins and minerals to purify, moisturize, and brighten your skin while protecting it from excessive irritation. Reviewers with sensitive skin swear by it!
Promising review: "Not any of the many I’ve tried throughout my life have worked as incredibly as this one has. I’ve had top recommended brand cleansers that required two washes to thoroughly cleanse it all off. Not with this one. And the scent is wonderful!! I love it even more for that! The size of the bottle is much bigger than I expected and for such a great price!! Highly recommended!" —Carlos
Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available as a set).
3. A bottle of I'm From goami rice toner that reviewers with dry skin say is hydration in a bottle. Its vegetable-originated extracts will leave your skin looking supple, smooth, and glowy without any heavy or sticky residue.
This toner is vegan and cruelty-free.
Promising review: "I love this toner! I’ve finished the whole bottle. It’s light and moisturizing. I can definitely tell the difference, my skin is smoother and plump. I love it cause I have both oily and dry skin and it makes my skin normal again! Best of all it doesn’t burn or irritate my skin, if anything it calms it down. Will definitely be buying again." —Rachael
Get it from Amazon for $22.30.
4. A Beauty of Joseon serum if you're a real glow getter. The niacinamide and propolis extract formula can help you maintain clearer skin, brighten dark spots, and give you a dewy glow, thanks to its honey-like texture.
Promising review: "From the moment I started using this serum I saw results! The combination of propolis and niacinamide in this serum is a winning formula. My complexion has never looked this radiant and healthy. It effectively addresses dark spots and hyperpigmentation, visibly reducing their appearance. What makes this serum even more remarkable is its lightweight and fast-absorbing texture. It feels like silk on my skin and leaves no greasy residue. I can apply it seamlessly without worrying about it disrupting my makeup or other skincare products. The hydrating properties of this serum are a game-changer. My skin feels intensely nourished and plump, minimizing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The only downside is the price. I think it's a bit expensive for the amount of product you get. However, it's so good that I'll still leave it at 8/5 stars!" —Yuna Lee
Get it from Amazon for $16.20 (available in three other formulations; you can also get a pack with all four).
5. A nourishing Etude House eye cream with concentrated collagen that moisturizes and helps firm the delicate skin around your eyes while helping to prevent fine lines. It'll make your skin feel so supple, you'll want to add that eye cream step back into your regular routine.
Soko Glam is an Asian-owned business based in New York City. It was founded by a wife and husband team, Charlotte and Dave Cho, who curate the products on Soko Glam by traveling regularly to Seoul to scour the Korean skincare market.
Promising reviews: "I absolutely love this eye cream! I have a dry skin type and am prone to darkness under eye when I’m tired. After I use a small amount my under eye glows and feels so hydrated. I am on my second jar and will absolutely repurchase it!" —Makayla
"I really wanted an inexpensive eye cream just to moisturize and keep my skin feeling soft and subtle during winter. This did the trick. I've bought it over and over again." —Mary
6. And a The Saem hydrating eye stick that has a cooling formula to help de-puff the area around your eyes and reduce the appearance of dark circles so no one at the office starts asking you why you look like a Tim Burton character.
It also can help tighten the appearance of eye wrinkles if you'd prefer for them not to be as noticeable. And here's a tip! It reduces puffiness faster if used after refrigeration.
Promising review: "This is definitely a miracle product. I was impressed that it worked so well, so fast, and so instantly. The packaging is silly but whimsical; I enjoy it. This is the last thing I apply before walking out the door. First day I used it, I put it on and got in my car — I looked in the rear view mirror and my heart jumped. My eyes had de-puffed on my walk down the front path!!! So impressive. It's not hydrating, it’s more tightening/brightening. If you have dry under eyes, use a creamy hydrating eye cream first, and apply this over it — problem solved. You don’t get much product, but you don’t need to use much either, and it’s not like it’s expensive. Definitely worth it if a product actually DOES what it claims it’ll do!!! Buy it!" —Joseph S.
Get it from Amazon for $9.85.
7. A bottle of TikTok-famous Cosrx Snail Mucin Power Essence because it will soothe and rejuvenate your skin so effectively, it'll make you think the exact opposite of "ew" when you think of snail mucin. It can also give your skin a natural "I woke up like this" glow that has earned it over 33,000 5-star ratings!
And tell Gary not to worry! The snail mucin is obtained in a safe way, so no snails are harmed!
I've personally been using this for months now and it's amazing how it's improved aspects of my skin that I didn't even know needed improving. I didn't think my skin looked too dull before, but after see how this brightened and soothed my skin, I'm never going back. I spray my face with rose water, gently pat the essence into my skin while it's still damp, and let it absorb. Plus, it absorbs so quickly, it's like your skin is saying "gimme gimme gimme!!".
Promising review: "I’ve been using this morning and night for about two weeks and I can say I understand the hype! My skin looks better than it has in so long. Firstly, the texture surprised me. When you think snail mucin, you think slimy and gross. This wasn’t sticky or slimy whatsoever. I was afraid it was gonna leave my skin feeling gross and slippery. Surprisingly, my skin drank it right up! No residue whatsoever and it’s a nice primer before makeup. I have oily skin and it’s helped with that as well. My skin is so soft, with a nice healthy glow. I’ve noticed my red spots from past acne is fading and my skin just overall looks great. Highly recommend!" —Sarah D.
Get it from Amazon for $14.98.
8. A Nooni tinted appleberry lip oil made with soothing apple water to help moisturize and soften your lips without giving you that icky sticky finish. It also gives your lips a lovely natural-looking flush.
This lip oil is vegan, cruelty-free, and has no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.
Promising review: "This is the first lip oil I've ever used. Usually I avoid anything with oil because I have very sensitive and generally oilier skin, but I wanted to give this a try because I wanted something sheer and pretty for a natural makeup look. Probably the best purchase I've ever made!!! It's super sheer and looks fine on its own without any other makeup. The smell is delicious, and while the gloss dries and fades after about an hour or two without eating, the color stays all day! I did have to reapply after eating, but not after drinking water! I just wish it was bigger, it's a teeny bottle. Would definitely buy again!!" —Debby Gold
Get it from Amazon for $12.
9. A popular pack of Skin1004 pore tightening and lifting masks that has surprised reviewers with its immediate results. These fast-acting masks are made with albumin, aloe vera, and centella asiatica extract to hydrate and lift your skin, tighten enlarged pores, clear small breakouts, and give you that "just came fresh from the spa" glow.
To use, mix the powder and activator and apply it onto your face. FYI — you'll look like a character from The Walking Dead as the mask works its magic (it's called the "Zombie Pack" for a reason!). But once you rinse it off after 10-15 minutes of letting it dry, you'll have some happy and radiant skin.
Skin1004 is a Korean skincare brand that provides high-quality skincare items made of plant-based ingredients from Madagascar. Its signature ingredient is centella asiatica extract, a soothing and hydrating antioxidant that is known for its ability to heal wounds and protect the skin.
Promising review: "I purchased the three-pack. I have only tried the zombie so far, but wow! First time, immediate results. My skin was brighter, the tone was more even, my pores looked smaller. There was no shine to my skin. I was amazed! I have bad skin. Not terrible skin but bad. Nothing helps, but this mask floored me. I can not wait to try the others. I will say the zombie mask does get quite restricting as it dries. I would do it at a time when you're not trying to talk to anyone or do much of anything. Lol It didn't smell bad. I don't really recall the smell much at all. The mask came off super easily. It took about 5 minutes to completely remove. I love it. I rinsed the brush that was included with hot water and it's good as new, ready for next time. Very happy. Totally worth it." —Andrea Russell
"I was a little skeptical when I bought this. Tried it for the first time and was amazed by the results! My skin looks and feels amazing, I felt like I looked at least 5 years younger. Yes it doesn't smell the greatest, but it wasn't overly strong. My skin is very sensitive and I avoid trying new products because a lot irritate my skin, this product didn't. I am so thrilled." —Dayna
Get it from Amazon for $34.25.
10. A Peach & Lily water gel moisturizer for your skin to drink right up. It combines hyaluronic acid and vegan prebiotics and probiotics for a weightless finish and that instant ~ahhh~ hydration.
Peach & Lily is a woman- and Asian-owned business that specializes in spa-grade K-beauty skincare that's cruelty-free and educating beauty lovers with informational skincare guides. It's also vegan and cruelty-free!
Promising review: "I have never tried any of Peach & Lily's products before, but was told to by a friend how clean these products are. I have extremely oily and dehydrated skin and have tried so many different brands like Neutrogena, CeraVe, and Cetaphil, and let me tell you NOTHING compares to this moisturizer. For months I've been struggling with dry, flaky skin that no matter how many times I put on moisturizer during the day, my makeup looked so caked and gross that I eventually gave up wearing makeup most days. I'm not even kidding within three to four days of using this in the morning and night my skin was no longer dry and flakey, and I am able to wear makeup again without it looking cakey. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated but not oily at all. I think it actually has helped with my oiliness because I'm not using those dang oil blotting sheets as much throughout the day anymore, and this is the only product I've changed in my routine. It dries a tiny bit sticky, but my makeup applies great over it. It doesn't make me breakout either, which I was very worried about because my skin is very sensitive. I would 110% recommend this to anyone and everyone — especially if you have extremely dry yet oily skin." —Graceeeee
Get it from Ulta or Peach & Lilly for $43.
11. A Mizon snail repair cream with snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, and 12 natural extracts that nourish, brighten, and re-plump your skin without any oiliness (perfect for acne-prone skin!). When it comes to repairing the skin barrier, this cream really snailed it.
Promising review: "I am obsessed with this stuff I would bathe in it if I could!! I have really sensitive skin to weather changes and tend to get flaky skin on my face, but I've used this for two years now and I have had the most moisturized baby smooth face since. Seriously buy it, put it on before bed, and the next morning you can absolutely tell the difference. I’m like a freaking walking ad for it. My face is brighter and more moisturized." —Leah
Get it from Amazon for $20.50+ (also available as a two-pack).
12. Missha's Soft Finish Sun Milk sunscreen approved by many reviewers with oily skin who rave about its ability to blend and not leave a greasy finish. It has SPF 50+ protection and resists water, sweat, and tears (hopefully tears of joy!). It also creates a silky smooth base — perfect for wearing under a full face of makeup.
In the progression photos above, you can see a reviewer before applying the sun milk, after applying the sun milk, and then the sun milk under makeup.
Although many reviewers say they don't experience a white cast with this, it is an untinted mineral sunscreen — so results in terms of white cast may vary!
Promising review: "I have dark, oily skin and purchased this product after reading recommendations. There is no white cast; you can barely see it upon application unless you use too much. You definitely do not need a lot, it spreads thin. When it dries, any color is gone. It also helps slow down my face getting all greasy as the day goes on, which I love. My skin is very, very oily but I can still apply this after my moisturizer and feel totally comfortable. I'm not a fan of scents, and the scent on this is extremely mild." —Ms. Renee
Get it from Amazon for $19.90.
13. A Sioris Time Is Running Out Mist that gives you a toner, mist, and serum all in one bottle. It's made of 78% organic fruit water with nutrients and minerals so that you can glow like a pro without the oily shininess.
Sioris is a cruelty-free brand with vegan certified formulas that have organically farmed, in-season ingredients.
Ohlolly is an Asian women-owned small business based in Los Angeles, CA. It's founded by two sisters who are on a mission to curate the finest in Korean skincare and bring authentic K-beauty to the masses. They particularly seek out natural, plant-based products with unique ingredients that are hard to find anywhere else.
Get it from Amazon for $7+ (available in two sizes).
14. A fan fave Laneige lip mask with vitamin C, coconut oil, shea butter, and antioxidants to nourish and protect your lips while giving them a supple, glossy finish. It's a splurge-worthy staple you'll probably love as much as the reviewer who called it "absolute magic."
BuzzFeed Shopping writer, Becca Glasser-Baker, says: Upon the recommendation of a friend, I tried this product, and after the first use, I wasn't blown away, but as I continued to use this, I fell in love with this product. So much so that I quite literally chased down the gift set in 2021, and I am so glad I did. At home, I have at least five different flavors of these, and I use them EVERY SINGLE DAY. I never thought a lip mask would actually change my life, but this one did, and I cannot live without it.
Promising review: "I was kinda skeptical, as I am with anything that blows up on TikTok because you never know who is getting paid for a review. But I’m dead serious this stuff works. I have the driest, chapped lips, and I have anxiety so I’m always biting my lips, and I’ve only used this for three days, and my lips are already so soft and healed. It seems expensive but looks like it will last me for months." —Caitlin
Get it from Amazon for $24+ (available in eight flavors and in a set).
15. A Heimish cleansing balm if you have stubborn blackheads and makeup residue that you wish would just ~melt away~. This balm has 10 natural vegetable oils that melt as it comes in contact with your skin and effortlessly removes makeup and can reduce blackheads. It also works as a more gentle alternative to harshly scrubbing with makeup wipes!
Using the mini spatula, scoop a decent amount and let it melt as it comes in contact with your skin. Spread and massage it into your face, rinse, and you're done!
Promising review: "I love this cleanser! Recently saw it on BuzzFeed and thought maybe it would work as advertised because nothing I've tried works on my pores but was skeptical. I'm so glad I tried it! My large pores are disappearing. I also had some dry patches on my face but no more. The feel, smell, and results are so good I want it for my whole body! I could see and feel results after one use!!" —TJ
Get it from Amazon for $13 (available in two scents).
16. A Krave Beauty matcha hemp cleanser that lifts away dirt, makeup, and sunscreen without giving you that super tight feel. Its bouncy gel formula also hydrates and soothes your skin without stripping away your natural oils! I guess you can say it's a matcha made in heaven.
Krave Beauty is a Korean woman-owned small biz that aims to make skincare easy and stress-free.
Promising review: "I struggled with oily, acne-prone skin and a damaged barrier since I was a teenager. But I've been loyal to this cleanser and the oat moisturizer since they came out and y'all...it took some time, but my skin is finally, FINALLY, in the place I always wanted it to be. It has the perfect texture, amount of lather, and after-feel of any cleanser I've ever tried. Do your skin a favor and try this." —Monisa A.
Get it from Krave Beauty for $16.
17. A super easy-to-use (and super cute) Tonymoly octopus-shaped blackhead remover — it'll become your nose's best friend. Just scrub it over your nose and watch as it gently exfoliates and removes excess sebum, blackheads, and other impurities. Bye bye, pore strips!
Check it out being used on TikTok here!
Promising review: "After just two days of use, this adorable little octopus has done wonders for me, smells great too. Here's how I used it: I wore down the stick just a little to where the texture from the salt is visible, scrubbed around on my face so there was plenty of product, then I used my fingers to gently massage all the gunk away. Rinse, pat dry, and enjoy the softness. Highly recommended for people with sensitive skin like myself." —LuckLocust
Get it from Amazon for $11.88.
18. Or a Cosrx blackhead remover liquid with 4% BHA made with willow bark water to mattify and exfoliate your skin, making enlarged pores look smaller and helping to prevent breakouts. Radiant skin, here I come.
After cleansing your skin, apply the essence using your hands (or a cotton pad) and wipe gently over your face. And don't forget to apply SPF afterwards when using it in the morning!
Promising review: "I struggle so bad with my pores cause they’ve always looked so huge but after just a week using this i can already see them shrinking down and becoming smaller. I was a little nervous about using an oil like serum like this on my t-zone because i have combo skin and always get oily around my nose and chin, but it honestly hasn’t affected my skin whatsoever. There also isn’t really a scent to it which is awesome. It leaves my skin feeling really moisturized. It’s a good buy & I definitely recommend this and rave about this." —Berika Jones
Get it from Amazon for $14.90.
19. A bottle of hydrating Glow Recipe watermelon glow niancinamide dew drops that'll brighten both your skin and your day. It's infused with vitamin C, vitamin E, and moringa oil to help even out your skin tone and give you a dewy finish. It also has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly, making it ideal for all skin types so you can glow from the inside out.
Check out this TikTok of these drops being used for a natural makeup look!
Glow Recipe is an Asian-owned business that aims to create fruit-forward, clean beauty formulas to incorporate into your skincare routine.
Promising review: "I can't recommend these drops enough. I've been using them for about three months and I've never received so many compliments on my skin. Admittedly, while I have sensitive skin, it isn't usually very problematic. With that said, my skin is on the drier side and a blemish will pop up from time to time, and this has been a total game changer. It really does help smooth out any texture and it's so hydrating. The drops also smell amazing. Honestly, buy these and thank me later!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $20+ (available in three sizes).
20. A Some by Mi Miracle toner with chemical exfoliants as well as tea tree, papaya, and witch hazel extract to remove dead skin cells while helping your skin look more hydrated and radiant in just 30 days. Many reviewers say it's perfect for both oily and sensitive skin!
After cleansing, soak your cotton pad with the toner, gently wipe your face, and lightly tap for absorption. Follow with moisturizer!
Promising review: "This stuff works! First off all there was no purging period, which my acne prone skin is grateful for. It also doesn't sting or smell harsh. Within a week of using this toner I stopped having breakouts. My dark spots are slowly getting lighter and my skin is starting to glow. I'm on my second bottle now and I have nothing but good things to say. I really hope they never stop making this." —kem
Get it from Amazon for $13.50.
21. A Son & Park beauty water that will brighten your skin tone and smoothen your texture. It's infused with willow bark and papaya that mildly exfoliate and lavender flower extract, orange fruit extract, and rose water that refresh, sooth, and help reset your skin's natural pH level. It's smooth sailing for your skin from now on (literally!).
Soko Glam is a small Asian-owned business based in New York City. It was founded by a wife and husband team, Charlotte and Dave Cho, who curate the products on Soko Glam by traveling regularly to Seoul to scour the Korean skincare market.
Promising review: "This is my fourth bottle, and I don't think I'll be switching toner any time soon. It's an amazing toner and makeup remover all in one — super easy and convenient! I can tell this is a great product by the way my skin feels afterward: clean, light, and not dry at all. I swear by this toner!! You won't be disappointed, I promise." —Lindsay
Get it from Soko Glam for $19.90 or get it from Amazon for $24.98.
22. A cooling, calming cream by Dear, Klairs that uses ceramide 3 and centella asiatica extract to soothe irritation and even out your skin tone. A reviewer with rosacea says it's got to be witchcraft! You can also use it as after-sun care to calm redness and sunburnt areas.
The picture on the left (shown above) is of a reviewer with severe rosacea and the picture on the right is of the results after only four times of applying less than a dime-sized amount of the cream to their face!
Promising review: "Absolutely worth every single cent! I have severe rosacea that leaves my nose and cheeks dry, flaky, and breaking out. I’ve had little success with anything topical that will provide any relief to my irritated skin...I received my order Wednesday and applied it that night after washing my face. By Saturday afternoon, my face is almost completely healed, preventing pealing and helping clear up my rosacea skin irritation!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $19.89+ (available in two sizes).
23. And a Dear, Klairs freshly juiced vitamin mask you'll especially appreciate if you have dry skin! The pudding-like texture becomes a rich essence on your skin, maintaining its moisture for at least eight hours. It's also enriched with a blend of vitamin C, vitamin E, and niacinamide that caused many reviewers to notice an illuminating and firming effect the next day!
Promising review: "Freakin love this stuff. Makes my skin feel bouncy and hydrated. It feels like a beautiful drink of sunny morning water for the face. LOVE the smell of this stuff it’s a very bright citrusy scent I can’t describe fully that just smells like you are happy to be alive lol. Oh AND I looked up the ingredients of this stuff on the EWG website and it had pretty good safety ratings! After using this consecutively for a couple weeks I’ve noticed a significant brightening affect and anti acne affect! I think this is due to the active ingredients being for skin barrier health so the skin is less likely to break out. And the evening of my skin tone is just an added benefit!" —A
Get it from Amazon for $26.15.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.